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Organic Forms Crafted from Tabby and Timber in a Desert Community Residence

Author:
Mariya Vasileva Tochkova
Organic Forms Crafted from Tabby and Timber in a Desert Community Residence

Project in-detail

Crafted from tabby concrete and timber, the residence's circular forms are designed to harmonize with the desert landscape, promoting community interaction while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using tabby concrete for enhanced thermal mass suited to desert climates.
02
Circular spatial arrangement promotes natural airflow and communal living dynamics.
03
Timber elements include sustainably sourced materials, adding warmth and texture.
04
Designed with large glazed openings to maximize natural light and outdoor views.
05
Incorporates bioclimatic principles to reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort.

## Project Overview
The House of Future DUNE is located in Dubai, UAE, and represents a contemporary architectural response to both historical influences and modern living. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability aligned with the UAE's Modern Architectural Heritage initiative, while addressing the unique environmental challenges posed by the desert climate.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout consists of rounded and circular forms that echo the shapes of sand dunes and the flow of wind, promoting an organic movement throughout the space. This configuration encourages interconnectivity among living areas, centered around a communal space that fosters social interactions while also ensuring privacy through well-placed sensory barriers. The design includes multiple interconnected rooms, enhancing the experience of space and community within the home.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
Construction materials have been carefully chosen to meet the functional requirements of a desert environment while promoting ecological responsibility. Key elements include tabby concrete for its thermal mass and cooling properties, timber for structural and aesthetic warmth, and glazed glass panels that integrate indoor and outdoor environments. The incorporation of prefabricated steel beams facilitates a robust structural integrity and expedites the building process. Additionally, innovative uses of microorganisms in construction practices exemplify a commitment to sustainable building techniques.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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